About TDP

THE DOLPHIN PROJECT was organized in 1989 following a mass die-off of dolphins along the Eastern seaboard of the United States. The Dolphin Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all volunteer organization. To learn more details of our history, please go to our HISTORY page.

Scientists and volunteers came together to conduct surveys of dolphin populations and photograph their dorsal fins, which are unique and comparable to a human fingerprint for identification. Through this work, we monitor the health of these animals, which serve as sentinel species of their estuarine environment. Because we share this environment, their well-being is directly connected to our own.

For over 30 years, The Dolphin Project (TDP) has expanded our understanding of bottlenose dolphins. Data collected during field surveys helps us learn how dolphins interact with their environment and how environmental changes affect them. We share this data with research scientists, universities, partner organizations, and government agencies. 

TDP members play a vital role in advancing our understanding of marine mammals while helping to inspire greater awareness and protection of our coastal environment. Through our Education Outreach Program, volunteers bring engaging, science-based information about dolphins into classrooms and community organizations, reaching audiences of all ages. Learn more on our EDUCATION page, or explore our website to discover more about our work.